Guus Bosman

I'm making it a point to catch up on my American reading from time to time. One of the most well-known American books is the autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, and enjoyed reading it a lot. The edition I read includes several of his other writings as well, such as a selection of Silence Dogood letters.

A large part of the book is very recognizable, and you can relate to the things Franklin goes through. And then all of a sudden he writes about the financial negotiations with his potential in-laws that break down, and he doesn't move forward with the marriage because they can't agree on a dowry.

Franklin has had an amazingly productive life -- he started the first public library, university and hospital in Philadelphia -- and it's great to read things from his own perspective. I especially enjoyed the description of the journey from London to Philadelphia, a trip that lasted more than two months.